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Review: Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency misfires in portrayal of Indira Gandhi

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Kangana Ranaut

“Emergency,” the biopic directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, ambitiously sets out to depict the life of Indira Gandhi, one of India’s most formidable political figures. The film starts by exploring Indira’s early years, suggesting that her difficult childhood and familial conflicts deeply influenced her later political life and leadership style.

The narrative, however, quickly diverts into a realm of dramatic exaggeration and historical liberties. Notably, the film invents scenes where significant historical figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw are portrayed singing about the nation’s wartime efforts—scenes that stretch the bounds of believability and detract from the film’s credibility.

Despite assertions that the screenplay is based on verified facts, with a long disclaimer citing sources, “Emergency” indulges in a selective recounting of events. It portrays Indira Gandhi alternately as a power-hungry autocrat and a misunderstood heroine, with Kangana’s performance focusing on emotional turmoil rather than political acumen.

The film is structured around two main segments: one highlighting Indira’s rise to power and her alleged authoritarian tendencies, particularly through her relationship with her son Sanjay Gandhi; the other focusing on her political downfall and eventual comeback. This bifurcation in narrative tries to cover extensive ground but ends up rendering a superficial glimpse into the complex politics of the era.

Supporting roles by veterans like Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Satish Kaushik in his final screen appearance as Babu Jagjivan Ram are intended to add depth but instead come across as caricatures. These portrayals contribute to a narrative that seems more intent on dramatization than an accurate historical recount.

Technically, the film benefits from the expertise of cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata, but his work is undermined by the overall production which fails to convincingly recreate the period or deliver a coherent visual style.

The film’s conclusion, which attempts to evoke sympathy for Indira Gandhi through a portrayal of personal guilt and political redemption, feels contrived. The depiction of Sanjay Gandhi’s controversial political maneuvers and their consequences are touched upon, but like much of the film, these elements are handled with a lack of nuance.

In sum, “Emergency” is a cinematic experiment that demonstrates how challenging it can be to balance historical biographic storytelling with creative liberties. While it may engage audiences unfamiliar with the depth of Indira Gandhi’s political life, for those with a better understanding, the film will likely come across as a disappointing portrayal that prioritizes drama over historical authenticity and depth.

Entertainment

Gaurav Khanna wins Bigg Boss 19, lifts trophy and Rs 50 lakh prize

Gaurav Khanna has been crowned the winner of Bigg Boss 19, securing the trophy and Rs 50 lakh after a competitive finale.

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Television actor Gaurav Khanna has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss 19, bringing the curtain down on a season packed with drama, intense face-offs and emotional moments. He secured the top spot after a closely fought finale, with Farhana Bhatt finishing as the first runner-up.

Gaurav Khanna’s steady game pays off

Premiering on August 24 with 18 contestants, the season showcased shifting alliances, sharp strategies and memorable confrontations. Despite being seen as quiet in the early weeks, Gaurav Khanna gradually emerged as one of the strongest voices inside the house. His composed demeanour and calculated task performance helped him build momentum through the competition.

Farhana Bhatt ends as runner-up

Farhana Bhatt, known for her dynamic presence and determination throughout the season, finished second. Although she narrowly missed the title, her journey remained one of the standout tracks of the show.

Finale eliminations

The grand finale began with multiple eliminations — Amaal Mallik was the first finalist to bow out, followed by Tanya Mittal, and then Pranit More, leaving Gaurav and Farhana as the top two contenders.
Gaurav ultimately lifted the trophy and took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.

With the conclusion of Bigg Boss 19, the show wraps another season marked by strategy, rivalry and heartfelt moments that kept viewers engaged from start to finish.

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Entertainment

Dhurandhar review: Ranveer Singh roars back, Akshaye Khanna shines in intense spy thriller

Ranveer Singh returns with a ferocious performance in Dhurandhar, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and a gripping espionage storyline set against real historical events.

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Dhurandhar review

Ranveer Singh makes a striking return to the big screen with Dhurandhar, delivering a fierce, layered performance in Aditya Dhar’s ambitious spy thriller. Blending historical terror incidents with a fictional revenge saga, the film explores India’s covert response to cross-border terrorism through the secret project ‘Dhurandhar’.

A brutal world built around revenge and espionage

Set around the IC-814 Kandahar hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack, Dhurandhar opens with Ajay Sanyal, an Intelligence Bureau officer played by R Madhavan, who strongly opposes releasing captured terrorists. Despite his resistance, bureaucracy prevails, setting the stage for the covert mission he later leads.

The project introduces its central weapon — Humza Ali Mazari, later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangil — portrayed by Ranveer Singh with ferocity and emotional depth. Dropped straight into Karachi’s dangerous Lyari district, Humza navigates a nexus of gangs, politicians, and the ISI, with the narrative also touching upon tensions between local Pakistanis and Baloch communities.

Performances that elevate the film

Akshaye Khanna nearly steals the spotlight as a feared Lyari gangster inspired by Rehman ‘Dakait’ Baloch. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of SP Chaudhry Aslam brings an intimidating presence, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal leaves a lingering impact despite limited screen time.

Sara Arjun plays Yalina with conviction, and the film also features an unrecognisable Gaurav Gera in a surprise appearance.

Music, violence, and a split narrative

Shashwat Sachdev’s background score stands out, weaving classic Pakistani melodies with Indian retro hits to complement the film’s shifting tones. Viewers should be prepared for intense brutality, graphic torture scenes, and sudden shifts in narrative style — especially in a second half that feels markedly different from the first.

The episodic structure, archival footage, and mix of real and fictional characters add layers, though some may find the format distracting.

Ending that sets up part two

While the film does not end on a dramatic cliffhanger, its teaser for the second part — scheduled for March 19, 2026 — ensures audiences will return to witness the conclusion of Humza’s journey.

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Entertainment

120 Bahadur box office day 1: Farhan Akhtar’s film starts slow with Rs 2.35 crore opening

Farhan Akhtar’s new release 120 Bahadur opened to Rs2.35 crore, while De De Pyaar De 2 continued its strong hold on day eight.

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Farhan akhtar

Farhan Akhtar’s latest release 120 Bahadur hit theatres on November 21 but registered a dull opening on its first day, earning Rs 2.35 crore. In comparison, De De Pyaar De 2, which is now in its second week, continues to show stronger hold at the box office.

Slow start for 120 Bahadur on day one

The action-drama opened to modest numbers on Friday, collecting Rs2.35 crore on its first day. Despite pre-release buzz around Farhan Akhtar’s performance, the film has begun its run on the lower side.

De De Pyaar De 2 maintains its advantage

Meanwhile, De De Pyaar De 2 continues its steady run. On its eighth day, the film maintained an edge over 120 Bahadur in overall earnings, according to media. The strong hold of the Ajay Devgn-led sequel appears to have impacted the new release’s opening day business.

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